After a few delays and a big anniversary party, the grand ballroom of the iconic Plaza Hotel began hosting events in mid-January—the inaugural event, hosted by Chanel, took place before the carpet had even been installed. While the ballroom and some adjacent rooms are ready for booking, the newly created meeting spaces and a bridal suite are still being spiffed up. We got an official tour on Tuesday morning, which included a peek at the enormous kitchen.
It's been about three years since the hotel closed for renovations, and although most of the building is now luxury residences, a sizable portion—more than 20,000 square feet—is dedicated event space. Managed and operated by Central Park South Events at the Plaza (a partnership between catering company Great Performances and hospitality provider Delaware North Companies), the site has a separate entrance, new elevator banks, and brand-new lighting and sound equipment. Bentley Meeker is the exclusive lighting vendor.Following a $4.5 million renovation, the 4,800-square-foot ballroom has been restored to its white-and-gold, neo-Classical design from 1929 and features original details such as elaborate chandeliers, curved ornamental railings, Ionic columns, and bas-relief decoration on the ceiling. The second-floor landmark space seats 600 or holds 800 for receptions. Adjacent to this is the grand ballroom foyer, a smaller, 1,700-square-foot area that holds as many as 200 for cocktails. Like the ballroom, this space has been restored and retains similar historic characteristics, like gold trimming.
But the site isn't all vintage: On the ballroom level is the Centennial foyer, another room available for reception events, with a slightly simpler interior and a capacity of 300 in 2,700 square feet of space. And seven new meeting rooms on the third floor each have wireless service and conferencing equipment; the largest room (for 150 people) will have modern decor. Combined, these rooms hold 450 and will officially open during the first half of March.
It's been about three years since the hotel closed for renovations, and although most of the building is now luxury residences, a sizable portion—more than 20,000 square feet—is dedicated event space. Managed and operated by Central Park South Events at the Plaza (a partnership between catering company Great Performances and hospitality provider Delaware North Companies), the site has a separate entrance, new elevator banks, and brand-new lighting and sound equipment. Bentley Meeker is the exclusive lighting vendor.Following a $4.5 million renovation, the 4,800-square-foot ballroom has been restored to its white-and-gold, neo-Classical design from 1929 and features original details such as elaborate chandeliers, curved ornamental railings, Ionic columns, and bas-relief decoration on the ceiling. The second-floor landmark space seats 600 or holds 800 for receptions. Adjacent to this is the grand ballroom foyer, a smaller, 1,700-square-foot area that holds as many as 200 for cocktails. Like the ballroom, this space has been restored and retains similar historic characteristics, like gold trimming.
But the site isn't all vintage: On the ballroom level is the Centennial foyer, another room available for reception events, with a slightly simpler interior and a capacity of 300 in 2,700 square feet of space. And seven new meeting rooms on the third floor each have wireless service and conferencing equipment; the largest room (for 150 people) will have modern decor. Combined, these rooms hold 450 and will officially open during the first half of March.
The grand ballroom of the Plaza
Photo: Alison Whittington for BizBash
Complete with a stage, opera boxes, and beautifully restored gold trim, the grand ballroom is a large space available for corporate, nonprofit, and social events.
Photo: Alison Whittington for BizBash
Lining the passageway beside the ballroom—also known as the grand corridor—are delicate tapestries, which were cleaned and repaired as part of the renovation.
Photo: Alison Whittington for BizBash
The grand ballroom foyer is decorated with mirrors, elaborate detailing, and polished floors; it opens directly onto the ballroom.
Photo: Alison Whittington for BizBash
Off the grand ballroom foyer is the Centennial foyer, which can also be used for cocktails.
Photo: Alison Whittington for BizBash
A wide staircase leads from the dedicated events entrance to the Plaza's second-floor event spaces.
Photo: Alison Whittington for BizBash
